Homegrown Singaporean brands to watch

Published on 28 Jun 2017.

There’s a new wave of Singaporean design virtuosos on our shores––check out these brands by our very own local designers.

For chic new threads

Kevin Seah Bespoke

This made-to-measure line has become the premier bespoke tailoring stop for classy gents and ladies alike. Here, you’ll get custom-tailored suits in a full range of materials (suitable for all climates), or tailored shirts made of premium English and Italian fabrics.

Where to buy: Kevin Seah Bespoke. 55B/C Boat Quay, Singapore 049844.

In Good Company

Clean, classy and modern are the hallmarks of the In Good Company label and its selection of chic wardrobe essentials. Mums can even doll their kids up in the Mini Me collection!

For a fashion-forward spin on traditional fabrics and cuts, check out popular womenswear label Ong Shunmugam. Designer Priscilla Shunmugam pushes the envelope of Singaporean fashion with cheongsams in modern silhouettes, and batik-printed pieces made from vintage kimono fabric.

Get arty and artisanal with Carrie K., a local jewellery label that makes sleek statement pieces for men and women. Whether you’re looking for sterling silver electroform bowties, or made-to-order pave diamond rings, Carrie K. is bound to have something to your taste.

The LING WU label crafts beautiful bags fit for the functional and fashion needs of a new generation of independent women. Founder Goh Ling Ling’s design sensibilities are influenced by her family’s garment manufacturing business, set up in the 1970s, from which she’s adopted LING WU’s bold entrepreneurial spirit.

Self-taught designer Trixie Khong started her accessory line By Invite Only in 2009, and it’s since grown into a jewellery label that’s quickly becoming a local favourite. All pieces by the label are hand-crafted in the studio and made for the sophisticated and discerning woman. Only true aficionados of quality hand-made crafts need apply.

Selected designs can be found at:

8twenty8 Nails. 50 Tras Street #02-01, Singapore 078989.

Charles & Keith

Founded by siblings Charles and Keith Wong, this footwear and accessory brand has become the choice pick of the modern Singaporean. Charles & Keith rolls out on-trend, affordable footwear styles each season, ensuring that you’ve got your best foot forward. It’s since set foot in the international market, having opened doors in Japan, Macau and Paris––the brand even graced the red carpet when Game of Thrones starlet Maisie Williams sported a Charles & Keith evening bag at the 2016 Emmy Awards.

For the humble abode

Scene Shang

Scene Shang’s contemporary homeware designs are rooted in Asian heritage. The furniture label works with traditional artisans from all over Asia to create pieces that put forward-looking twists on the homeware silhouettes and stylings of yesteryear.

Where to buy:

Flagship Store. 263 Beach Road, Singapore 199542. +65 6291 9629.

House of Tang. 310 Orchard Road Level 4, Singapore 238864.

Robinsons The Heeren. 260 Orchard Road, Singapore 238855.

A Dose of Something Good

A Dose of Something Good makes candles using natural, quality materials and scents that blend fragrances, natural extracts and essential oils. Candle-maker Robert Upton also adds a personal touch to the candles––every scent is inspired by a unique anecdote or backstory.

Where to buy:

Clarke Quay Central. 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #02-23, Singapore 059817.

Orchard Gateway. 277 Orchard Road #02-02/24, Singapore 238858.

Westgate. 3 Gateway Drive #01-30, Singapore 608532.

Commune

A furniture design and lifestyle company founded in 2012 by Singaporean designer Julian Koh, Commune crafts furniture and homeware with the aim of enhancing the modern Singaporean’s way of life. Commune’s products are made with a focus on affordability as well as the small living spaces typical of city life.

Where to buy:

Flagship Store. 9 Raffles Boulevard #02-52, Singapore 039596.

Paragon. 290 Orchard Road #04-06, Singapore 238859.

Commune Experience Centre. 28 Defu Lane 4, Singapore 539424.

IMM. 2 Jurong East Street 21 #02-06, Singapore 609601.

The GoDown

Browse through The GoDown Store and you’re bound to come across a couple of one-of-a-kind modern and vintage finds. Founder Audrey Lee sources pieces during her travels, bringing wares from all over the world to this homely lifestyle store.

Where to buy: The GoDown.44 Zion Rd, Singapore 247776. +65 6333 8966.

Supermama

Supermama was set up by local design stalwarts Edwin and Mei Ling Low as a space to support Singaporean designers. The gallery shop collects and curates art and giftware that represent contemporary Singapore culture, such as porcelain plates donning iconic images like HDB flats (public housing apartment blocks by the Housing Development Board) and the Merlion.

Homegrown label SABRINAGOH is best known for the clean lines and asymmetry that pervade its edgy collections. Founded by local designer Sabrina Goh, the minimalist store carries labels such as ELOHIM by Sabrina Goh, whimsical label A.K.A. Wayward and Korean men’s fashion line M-WANTED.